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Replying To Commodore: "Finn Harps approved full club ownership to Freddy Gonzalez in return for him clearing the €500k debt ran up in the last couple of years, and a promise to invest €4 million soon.
Poor turnout from Finn Harps Shareholders, only 400 attended out of estimated 2200 shareholders. I heard that a lot of local people who previously bought shares, were disgruntled when they later realized a membership renewal was required to vote every year and one vote per person, regardless of share holdings. I heard it suggested that is why a lot of local businesses etc also wouldn't invest in the Club.
Hopefully this new owner fulfills his promises, and all goes well for the Club." Foreigner turns up waving money, promising all sorts of goodies.....
What could possibly go wrong?!
Seanfan (Roscommon) - Posts: 981 - 21/10/2026 16:26:44
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Replying To Seanfan: "Foreigner turns up waving money, promising all sorts of goodies.....
What could possibly go wrong?!" Yeah, 100%. I have wondered what is really attracting a Fillipino business person to invest in Finn Harps / Co Donegal.
I suspect the Irish Governments "Immigrant Investor programme (IIP)", which grants him, his family/team EU/EEC Visa's for a few years and stumps up half of €8.4 million funding towards the Stadium and Centre of Excellence, is a big factor.
Alternatively, acquiring a cheap FC in the EU, where Government match his investment and having business Visa's to operate in the EEC/EU probably may allow his wife's company to set up here or get a foothold in Europe may also be a motivation.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1986 - 22/10/2026 10:22:00
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Yes the Harps takeover is exciting & interesting, but like a lot of people up here I'd be a bit apprehensive at the same time.
There is a good hardcore, loyal support but looking at the recent accounts published, the club couldn't go on the way they were. But if Freddy is as good as his word, big improvements could be afoot. We'll wait and see.
I think it could also affect Donegal teams playing in the new National Football League. There are some quality operators there playing for the likes of Cockhill, Bonagee and Letterkenny, who probably are good enough to play with Harps. If Finn Harps are now in a position to provide improved facilities and better wages, the aforementioned clubs could lose some of their main men.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 10521 - 22/10/2026 10:31:37
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Replying To Lockjaw: "Yes the Harps takeover is exciting & interesting, but like a lot of people up here I'd be a bit apprehensive at the same time.
There is a good hardcore, loyal support but looking at the recent accounts published, the club couldn't go on the way they were. But if Freddy is as good as his word, big improvements could be afoot. We'll wait and see.
I think it could also affect Donegal teams playing in the new National Football League. There are some quality operators there playing for the likes of Cockhill, Bonagee and Letterkenny, who probably are good enough to play with Harps. If Finn Harps are now in a position to provide improved facilities and better wages, the aforementioned clubs could lose some of their main men." There is mixed opinions on it to be fair, thus why Harps only had 396 fans vote for it, out of total shareholder group of 2178.
Some Finn Harps fans are disgruntled with those running the club, but abstained, as they didn't want to block the takeover, as they feel its the better of two bad options. At AGM it was 1 vote per shareholder. regardless of how many shares you hold, and that one vote was only allowed if you renewed Annual membership (Around 75% didn't renew).
Some fans I spoke to felt that particular rule blocked potential local investment in the Club in recent years, as it kept control among a small group of fans no matter what, and they have now sold it for clearing a €500K debt they ran up, shareholders getting nothing.
Hopefully the new owner follows through with his promises and take the Club forward.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1986 - 22/10/2026 13:46:01
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Replying To Commodore: "There is mixed opinions on it to be fair, thus why Harps only had 396 fans vote for it, out of total shareholder group of 2178.
Some Finn Harps fans are disgruntled with those running the club, but abstained, as they didn't want to block the takeover, as they feel its the better of two bad options. At AGM it was 1 vote per shareholder. regardless of how many shares you hold, and that one vote was only allowed if you renewed Annual membership (Around 75% didn't renew).
Some fans I spoke to felt that particular rule blocked potential local investment in the Club in recent years, as it kept control among a small group of fans no matter what, and they have now sold it for clearing a €500K debt they ran up, shareholders getting nothing.
Hopefully the new owner follows through with his promises and take the Club forward." Yeah it'll be interesting to see how it goes. Last season was a disaster in footballing terms, rock bottom of the league.
It would be great if this can rekindle interest in the team again. You'd wonder down the line, if all goes well, could it negatively affect the county GAA team? I know that GAA will always be bigger here in Donegal. But if a talented footballer was being offered a nice few pound to play league of Ireland football, it could be tempting.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 10521 - 22/10/2026 16:18:12
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